Eric Van Orden

Eric Van Orden, 27, works as Energy Efficiency Manager at Standard Renewable Energy in Boulder. He lives in Boulder and joined the company in 2007 and works with most areas of the company, including the sales representatives and energy efficiency auditors. Standard Renewable Energy is based in Texas and is growing fast, in part because of the Recovery Act. In the last several months, the company has hired a dozen installers and auditors, and is continuing to look for new employees.

In October 2009, Van Orden said his company plans to hire 17 more workers before the end of the year, which would mean the company will triple in size compared to 2008. Among other Recovery Act contracts, Standard Renewable Energy is installing solar panels on the roof of a federally-qualified health clinic in Aurora called Metro Community Provider Network. The company also recently won a contract to do weatherization work in homes in Arapahoe County.

Van Orden said the Recovery Act has presented a growing number of opportunities for his company and is a significant reason for his company's growth. New grant and contract opportunities continue to come out and he expects the business to grow because of Recovery Act programs.

"The results of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have been profound for our company and certainly helped us to create more job growth, a strong renewable energy industry and safe and comfortable homes in Colorado," he said.